All great deeds and all great thoughts have a ridiculous beginning. Great works are often born on a street corner or in a restaurant's revolving door. - Albert Camus

from notes scribbled on receipts, paper napkins and anything handy to write on, chef/author Marc Renson's debut book was born. it is filled with humorous and sometimes outrageous anecdotes, insider tips and information plus some tasty recipes that have made Marc's Ambition Coffee House & Eatery, Inc. the success it is today. i admire Marc's resilience in his journey to realize his dream and live it. his spirituality and love of music also contributed to his growth as a person and this is evident in how he deals with and manages his coffee shop on a daily basis. i love Marc's writing style. it was spontaneous and passionate. while reading his memoir, it felt like i was there inside Ambition and he was right in front of me, serving his specials of the day while regaling me with stories at the same time. it may also not be Marc's intention but his book is truly inspiring. entrepreneurs who wish to operate a restaurant or venture into the food industry are sure to benefit from his experiences. someday, if i get the chance i would definitely stop by 154 Jay Street in Schenectady, New York. i heard that one of their lunch entrees "Crabby Marc" is really good and that the coffee is always fresh.

Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of Is The Coffee Fresh? from the author himself. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.